Last week when Daddy was trapping the small family of 'feral' cats in back of the old apartment building, the former Super asked Daddy worridly
'You're bringing them back?" Daddy stated of course. The man was relieved. He said 'Good. They keep away mice. We have not had mice in this building since we had cats around." He allows Daddy to bring them food and water.

Here are some Q and A about Feral Cats:

Q) I have heard that Feral Cats carry disease that can be given to other animals.
A) It's always a good idea to keep your cat or dog or other animal inside, and if you walk your dog, to make sure it's vaccinated. HOWEVER....many 'feral' cats are no more likely to transmit a disease to your pet, you, your child than any other animal.

Q) I feel badly for the Feral Cats that live outside, but I don't have room for them in my house. If I trap them and bring them to a shelter, they will help them find a home-but a crazy cat lady has told me to 'leave them alone'. Why?
A) Ah-the sad truth. Many animal shelters euthanize-kill-feral cats. There aren't enough homes for healthy, human social cats. A Feral Cat simply doesn't stand a chance. Truly feral cats aren't socialized to people enough for most people to be willing to have them inside...and the feral cat may not want to be with humans without much exposure and patience. In some places, feral cats are cared for by 'Colony Caretakers'. You can google Alley Cat Allies or The Urban Cat League to find out more.

Q) Is a feral cat an owner abandoned cat?

A) Usually not. Most Ferals are born outside, and raised by a 'tribe' who look after the young communially. Mom, auntie, sister, cousin,daughters, grandmoms and the male Tom and his brothers or sub males will help guard and protect and train the kittens. Kittens trapped young can be socialized with patience. While, very sady, 'Owner Abandoned' cats are left at colonies-usually by misguided people who see that a colony is being tended and fed, 'feral' cats are not owner abandoned cats. They may have lived in a place for awhile and know their 'feeders' but they aren't tame cats.

Q) I've heard feral cats referred to as 'community cats'. Why?

A) They are Community workers! They keep down the rodent population, and they work hard doing it. They ask for so little, too-clean fresh water, cat food (don't worry, they still keep down the rodent population), a warm shelter and not to be harassed or harmed.

Q) Will feral cats help a former housecat to survive?
A) It depends, but the Tribe may not welcome an 'outsider' and treat them as such. Many former housecats don't do too well outside. (I'm a good example!)

Q) Why is T and R important, and what does it stand for?
A) It stands for Trap and release. It goes like this: Rescuers will bait a humane cat trap (it doesnt' hurt the cat!) with food. They catch the cat, bring it to a vet or clinic or low cost spay and neuter van, and the cat is neutered. The cat will usually be held a day or two, then, when it is eating and the neuter site is healing, they are re-released back into their colony.
When they are under for the neuter, they are usually given a quick exam. They may be vaccinated against Rabies, or other things, and most are 'eartipped' to mark thema s being neutered so if they are trapped again they are re released back into the colony.

Q) I've heard some poeple trap cats and bring them to shelters-isn't that better?
A) No, the cat will probably be euthanaized. Some people think if there are no feral cats that they won't have to worry about them, but a resideent colony keeps down the rodent population and if a resident colony is removed, it leaves space for more to occupy the area-neutering and releasing is the way to go.

Q) Do feral cats eat birds-I've heard they are decimating the songbird population?
A)Nope. This is a vicious rumor that has no basis in truth. Go to Alley Cat Allies site and check out the truth.

Q) How to I learn more?
A) Go ot Alley Cat Allies or Urban Cat League or just google T & R or National Feral Cat Day!

Q) How do I say Hello to a feral cat?
A) 1) Drop hands to your sides. 2) If you can, drop to a kneeling posture. 3) Keep head down. 4) Close your eyes. 5) Very slowly raise your head. 6) Very slowly, open your eyes and blink slowly. Repeat. You may see the cats relax slightly, and if they close their eyes even halfway, you've been given the gift of conditional acceptancce...welcome to the Tribe!

Happy Feral Cat Day! Do something good for a Feral today! Donate food, help, or $. Lots of purrs...

Hi everyone,
The day before yesterday Daddy managed to trap one of the 7 month old kittens by where they used to live. They got her in and got her fixed. Daddy and Mommy had wanted to bring them all in from the cold.

Well, Daddy did. And little Mel, as he called her, cried and cried and cried and cried. She was very unhappy and tried to get out a screened window.

Because Mommy and Daddy live in an apartment in a house (the landlord knows they have 6 cats) Mommy got worried. Little Mel was crying loudly.

One by one we all got in (we weren't supposed to but we're good at getting in where we shouldn't be) and we met Little Mel. But none of us were very friendly....we probably would have been with time, but we thought she smelled funny.

Mommy thought about it alot. She said that Little Mel, back where they lived, had a very good momma who had taught her well how to get food and be safe. She was a clean little cat. She was now spayed and identified Mommy and Daddy as 'feeders'.

Mommy said that with their schedules it would be very hard to work with her, and they could try again when the others from Little Mels clowder were gotten and neutered. But she felt that little Mel was miserable. She wanted to go and be with her Mom and sister and the rest of her family.

Mommy said she hated to 'give up'. She has worked with cats that were where Mel was, but then it was different, in a shelter one expects a cat to meow and if they meow all night it does not matter.

But Mommy said that little Mel missed her Momma, and told Daddy that cats bond strongly to their territory, and little Mel was scared because none of us were accepting her, and this wasn't her territory or family.

After they talked about it alot, Mommy got Little Mel to go back into the trap and Daddy just took her back to by the old apartment.

There are a series of yards in back of the apartments. There are backyards and places for kitties to hide. Mommy and Daddy continue to feed there, and Mommy has seen other dishes out.

Mommy and Daddy feel badly. Daddy wanted to put little Mel in the cage in the bedroom and try to work with her. Mommy said she was willing to, but she thought that Mel was very miserable. She had family, she had territory. Now it was gone. She would have to re-establish it here. It wouldn't be impossible, but it would take much time, and she might not be happy. It was a tough call.

In the end, the elected to return her back to her space outside.

Mommy said that with us, it was different...we, all of us, were ready and wanting in from the cold. We probably knew people, and were from the inside, and turned loose. Mel wasn't. She was born outside, and knew her family.

'Feral' or 'Community cats' can learn to live inside with folks, but some may not want to....if they have their territory, family, food...it may be enough.

They will try again...I know my Daddy....he didn't want to bring Mel back. Mommy didn't either. She's tormented by pictures of sick kitties living outside. But Mel wasn't sick. She was young and healthy and strong and her momma was nearby and her sister and family. Because she's spayed and part of a little family, she is 'established' in the territory.

Mommy spoke with a friend of hers who does T and R. Her friend told her that even with winter coming on that Mel and her sister have a very savvy mom cat and established territory. She said that Mel was not like taking in an abandoned cat who had lived inside at one point, or a cat that was low on the order of a colony...that her coat was in good shape, she looked healthy, said alot about her. And she was not pregnant, and now she will not get pregnant, she stands a better chance than most of having a good and healthy life. She told mommy that taking in a working with a feral to tame is a process, and not all adjust...and that if they were to do it again that it might be better to work with the others too, so that they didn't feel so isolated. She didn't think that Mel had a grim time ahead of her, despite the weather. She said 'Mel is used to being outside-it's the inside that scares her.' and she said 'Deb, instead of torturing yourself with what you could not do, look at what you are doing-you are getting this colony neutered so they can't repproduce. They have a food source, and their mom has taught them to find shelter. In their world, territory, food and shelter are what matter. This is not an indoor cat that was turned out and is scrounging. This is a young strong cat born outside taught to live outside. She's afraid becuase she's out of her environment, and away from her family. Imagine if someone took you and dropped you in the middle of a group of Martians on Mars, and gave you food, but you were in a place you didn't know and were frightened of and that was totally alien.'

Mom and Daddy still feel bad. They feel like failures.

I have told them they aren't-that coming in from the cold is a state of mind as much as an actuality....

Now, as I might have revealed in a previous diary, Mommy and Daddy went down the year after Hurricane Katrina to where Daddy is from. They went to a little place called Bayou La Batre, which is a shrimping village, and it's a quirky, odd and magickal place as many places there are.

Now when they were down there, they ate in a little ramshackle restaurant with old linolium on the floor and old formica tables. And when Mom finally figured out that Hush puppies were not shoes nor real 'pups' that were a side on her plate, she was much more relaxed.

And when they were eating, as is the way in some places in the South, the Restaurant Owner came out to eat with them.

Now, during their meal, a big black cat wandered out, slinking slowly across the floor, and then, leaping gracefully up into an empty chair beside Mom, accepted their lunch invitation, and was happily engaged in enjoying some catfish and shrimp with them when the restaurant owner sank into a chair beside them at Daddy's invitation.

'Now I see you met Roscoe' he said to Mommy. Mommy petted Roscoe's head and nodded. "That there is a magic cat. He's got good luck to him, thats for sure."

Daddy said 'How's he magic?"

The owner cracked open his Dr. Pepper, took a swig and reached over and rubbed Roscoes chin.

"That there animal did surely save my and my wife's life."

Daddy finished his last bite of catfish and said 'How is that?"

"Well" said the Owner, who told Daddy and Mommy his name was Nate "It's like this....

'One day, bout a year or so ago in July, this skinny cat wanders up near the dock...never saw him before, but he looked rough, all skin and bones. Now, I never could condone with folks just turning their animals to fend for themselves, so I see this poor cat all hungry like, and I get my lunch and it's a tuna sandwich. And I put it on a paper plate and put it down near the boxes he's setting under. And the cat darts out to eat.

Now I don't know who's cat he is, if he's lost, or if he's friendly. But he sure was hungry. So I see after he eats that sandwich in about 2 seconds flat that he's still hungry. And I go across to the store and get me some cat food. And when I'm there I get a box so I can put him in.

I put the food in this box...open the can. And I got a lid for the box, and when the cat finally jumps in to eat, I put the lid on real quick, and then tie it up with a little twine and put it in my truck and take him home.

Our dog had died a few months before, and I know my wife is missing him. So she see's me with that box and she says 'Now what is that?" And I tell her about this cat that I found and she says 'Well, we better get him over to Dr. Perkins'. He's the vet we had for our dog. So she calls and they tell us to bring over this here cat.

So we go over...and the cat is really quiet in the box, not trying to get out or anything. And we get there and they take us into the exam room and I tell the doctor about this cat and he says "Well, I guess you got yourself a cat then, Nate." And he carefully opens the box. And this big black cat head looks up and out at a him. And then, very carefully, he leaps out of the box onto the table.

Well, the Vet does all the normal stuff...he tests him and gives him shots. The cat is already neutered. He' has no collar and the vet tells us that his paws are rough, he was probably out there awhile. So he treats him for fleas and ticks, and tells us he thinks the cats' about 4 or 5, and he is really skinny but in otherwise good health.

Well, this cat is sitting there just watching me and my wife. She reaches out and pets him and he begins to purr. She picks him up and he lays his head right on her shoulder. And the Vet goes out and comes back with a carrier and gives it to us, no charge. So we have a carrier for this cat.

On the way home we start talking bout what to name him, and it comes to me that he reminds me of this fella I used to work with on the Shrimp Boat a few years back, a tall and lanky black guy who one day fell over during a storm and never was seen again. And this cat-well, it reminds me of him, cause it's the way Roscoe was too, you know, laid back and easy going. So I say 'Let's call him Roscoe, after Roscoe Harris, that guy I used to know." And my wife agrees.

Now, Roscoe is no fool. The first few weeks he stays close to my wife, and he's eating all the time. But after a bit, he takes to following me around, playing with my fishin line, and he likes to come out in the early morning with me when I'm going fishin. And when a couple of the guys go with me, they're joshin....like 'hey, I heard of a cat fish, that a fish cat?' But they soon learn that Roscoe's good luck to have around, cause he loves the boat, and sits out of the way of the hooks and all, but sits near the wheel and will start meowing and crying if we're in certain places...and when we stop, we catch fish.

So soon, Ernie, the guy who owns the Shrimp boat I was working on, asks if Roscoe can come. And I bring him and he's meowing when we get to some spots...and then we are getting shrimp. And Ernie offers to buy Roscoe, but he isn't for sale. But he lets me take him whenever we go out and the weather isn't bad. My wife won't let him go when the weather is bad.

Now last year, well, we were setting to get ready to go out on the boat. And Roscoe was on the dock. And as we're loading up, all of a sudden, Roscoe stops. He stops right where he is and he looks at me. And then, he sits down and won't move. I whistle for him, and he looks at me. He goes to the side of the dock and he is sniffing. And he is all stiff and then he turns and walks back to my truck.

Now, he never did that before. It worries me, and I get to worrying that maybe he's sick. My wife hears about it that night-and the next day she takes Roscoe to the vet, but the vet says he's fine. And the vet says to me 'You know, they are predicting a storm. Sometimes animals start acting weird with storms."

I didn't think anything of it. I mean, I been through alot of storms, down here, as you know, you get used to it. But I sure didn't think it had anything to do with Roscoe.

But that day the same thing happens. Roscoe is not getting on that boat, and when I do, he starts howling. I put him in the office, and when we come back in a few hours later he's yowling.

He was sure glad to see me, but he was restless. When we got in the truck and went home I told my wife and she bit her lip. "I think it's this storm...they are saying it could be bad."

Now, she's worried, and I see it. But there have been other storms. So I tell my wife 'Well, we'll just get ready for it, no need to worry."

But my wife has this look when she's watching Roscoe who's pacing. And that night he will not sleep, he's meowing loud and pacing. And finally, I get up and I go to him and he is looking at me and he's staring with his big gold eyes and he's Telling Me that he wants me to do sometihng...and I say "Roscoe, is it the storm?"

And that cat puts his paws on my leg and he's looking into my face. And I figure...well, I'm probably a fool...but this cat knows something.

I go tell my wife to get together some stuff. We got a camper, and we load it up with food and clothes and water and stuff we'll need. We got a generator and I put Roscoe in it and call Ernie and tell him we're leaving til we find out which way this storm is going. And Ernie is like
'What, are you crazy?" and I tell him 'look, this thing could be pretty bad.' and he's like 'We rode storms out before." And I tell him that they are suggesting people leave if they can, and I tell him my wife is really really worried.

So he's not real happy but he tells me he'll see me in a couple days, and my wife is looking at me and we lock up the house and we go.

I felt pretty dumb, let me tell you, because I could not tell you the last time I left because of a storm. But we pull out and when we do Roscoe comes to sit close to us.

Now we head up to Camden, which is near Montgomery, cause my brother is up there. And when we get there early that morning, well, the rain starts, but still this is not unusual.

My brother is glad to see us, and surprised. But his wife, she's from the Florida coast and she says their dog has been all upset and such and she's sure glad we're there. And they come in the camper and meet Roscoe and then we go and have some breakfast with them in their house. We go back to the camper round about 11am and Roscoe is sure glad to see us and we're tired so we take us a nap since there isn't much else we can do.

And that afternoon we realize we weren't the only people to leave when we see the news and we see other folks on the roads...and I am sure glad that we left when we did.

The storm brings in alot of rain and some wind, but not like if we would have stayed home. We get rained on, sure, but nothing we aren't used to. Roscoe spends alot of his time sleeping. If a cat could look relieved, it would be him.

That afternoon I get a call from Ernie that some other folks left, and the storm is heading right along the Coast. I call some of my friends, and some are there, but some have left. My wife's family left when we did-they listened when she said that the cat was behaving strangely. So we just stay put and spend what time we have with my brother.

Well, you know what happened....Bayou La Batre got hit and parts were underwater. Our house was flooded and the water rose so fast we might not have been able to get out if we'd waited.

When we went back-it's hard to explain what it looked like, but I can tell you this...it was tough to see. But we were ok, thats what mattered. We were alive. And we were lucky cause we had a camper to live out of-some folks didn't have that.

It took awhile before things got anywhere even remotely normal. I found work up in Atmore for almost a year, but you know, this is our home.

And then, a few months ago I bought this place with my brother and Ernie.

Ernie wound up leaving right after he spoke to me that day. It saved his life cause his house was wiped out-he and his wife and son lived with us for a little bit til the insurance came through and he could rebuild.

Roscoe likes to stay here and sleep out on the screened porch and greet visitors. We don't always bring him, but he seems to know the people who like him, and comes out to say hello.

The strange thing was, when we got back, my vet called me and asked me if we still had Roscoe. It seems that a woman came in and handed her a picture of a cat that looked alot like Roscoe, and he told her about us-and he took her number. I called and she told me her mother had passed away and when they were dealing with eveything her mom's cat had escaped the house. She said if it was her moms cat, she'd be happy to know he had a good home with us, and wondered if she could come see. I told her sure, but told her that my wife and I were sure taken with him, and it would really be hard on us to give him up. She told me that she wouldn't do that-she was glad if he had a good home with us, as she had three cats of her own and two dogs. But she did want to come round and see.
When she came by she was a nice woman...and when she saw Roscoe she burst into tears. She reached down and petted him and called him 'Harry."
Roscoe let her pet him, but after a bit he got nervous and ran up under our table. We told the lady that he was taken care of and all, and promised her he'd always be loved by us. My wife almost flat out told her she wasn't getting him back. But the lady was fine with it. Then she turned and asked me how I had found him, and I told her. And she shook her head. "His name was Harry...but you know...for years, my mom...she was confused. She used to call him by her Aunt's name...she thought he was a cat she had as a girl, named after her aunt...Katrina."

It was weird, I admit.

But she gave us some of the toys her mom had for him, and a collar. But that was it,s he said goodbye. Once in awhile she calls to see how he is, but thats it...

This past year, we got Roscoe a sister-a little she cat from the pound that was gonna be put down that day. A little black Minx. I call her Minxy-but for that there lady, and her mom, her real name is Katrina.

We wanted something to come good from that storm."

And Mommy leaned down and told Roscue 'You are a very special and Magickal Cat' and Mommy said he knew it too. And Daddy and Nate shook hands and then Mommy and Daddy left.

And you know-Mommy wants a House Panther too, though I'm not so sure. But that is the story of Roscoe B. Fishin. I hope he lives a long time, and like all black cats, I know he is good luck.

We're sorry we've been scarce. This has been a week of it for sure. Daddy was laid off, and is looking for a job. Mommy is working, and for whatever reason, they are giving her a very hard time at work with her hours, her internship hours, and everything. She's in school and doing an internship, has a paper due and is emotionally exhausted.

We moved on Friday, but all our stuff finally was here today when Daddy got the rest of it here. We really like it here, though it's still making my other fur family nervous-I've moved before and they haven't.

As soon as mommy can, she'll update on us all. We do like having this long long apartment to run back and forth. We have our cat tree up against the window, and we look out every morning.

Mommy is so tired. She's missing Bella so much and I do what I can, we all do.

You'll never guess this...Smokie and Natalie are 'getting on'. that is he isn't attacking her and she's wandering around the new place and has even been on the cat tree! Daddy still keeps her in the bedroom area though when he's not here.

So we are around...it's just been so tiring for Mommy and Daddy...but know we aren't too far away...

We will be moving in a few days...I sense this, for I have moved before. I look up at the picture of Bella above the loveseat...it's not been taken down yet. I know that Mommy and Daddy are putting it off.

I sense my sisfur...she hasn't returned yet, I believe that she needs the healing and restoration of 'the other side' to do that. I believe as I sit here, though, others come.

They come and they play and they wave bushy or slinky tails, and touch noses to mine. Sometimes they run and frisk, leaping high.

Sometimes they gather all the energy particles and molecules they can....bunch them up, and create form for us to see....and maybe, our people, too.

And they can shift those particles, to soar higher, appear larger or to fade into the walls or gather strength and leap so high...and glide through the portal.

They do it for fun. They do it because they can. They do it to assure us and our humans we can.

They play hide and seek with this dimension.

They streak through walls and back, and then, as though to say yes, I am here, they Manfiest.

And so they play for awhile, visitors when they want or need to come, to comfort, to frisk, to experience and love on those still here. They may do this days, years or indefinately. Some will wait til their family gather on the other side...

But eventually, for most, those who have gathered the wisdom, gleaned the softness of the inbetween, and basked in the sun on both sides of the rainbow, there comes that time....

the yearning grows...they long, once more to have form. To touch with a paw, to feel their person touch back, to purr to those they have known.

It's chancy...for none of us can control the swing and boom of destiny, like a sailboat on a racing run, it's on it's own course, and we, once we plunge into that stream must allow it to carry us at it's own pace...even if that pace handles us roughly, or puts us somewhere we do not anticipate.

We know we have gained wisdom, as we gaze out, fresh from the inbetween, from the magicial breath of Forever and the Bridge Across it.

We can't explain to ourselves, this urgent urge to rebirth, to turn the lines around ourselves to pure spiritual fire, ignighting in the velvet darkess, a space vessel entering earths orbit at lightspeed, we make that jump.

And with front paws extended, land with a thump, back on the third rock from the sun.

We touch down, gaze around...with wonder, with grace, with faith.

And we purr and begin.

Again.

For Amy Rose-life, my sweetheart, for us, is ever present and constant. I sit up on my hind paws Amy Rose, and purr....

Dear Furs,
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and kindess regarding Bellas passing.
It's been a trying week here for Mommy and Daddy-the day Bella went to the Bridge, when Daddy went to his job as a chef, there was another chef in his kitchen. The owner told him he wasn't needed anymore.

The owner called him the day after and told him he was sorry-and wrong, and asked for Daddy to come back. Daddy however is looking for another job,and out of work for a week because of the Jewish Holidays. (he worked at a Kosher steakhouse.) he's also looking for another position, and we will be moving the end of the week...as you know, we cats never like that, but so long as my people and the food are going, thats ok.

I wanted to ask you all a favor. Taffy's Mom adopted a lovely, older cat who she named Amy Rose from a Sanctuary called The Last Post in Ct. She could not leave this lovely, sweet, older kitty behind. She adopted her, and took her to the vet, and they told her she was 17 years old.

Amy Rose had 5 days with her mom, and very suddenly left for Rainbow Bridge.

Amy Rose didn't have many friends here-there simply wasn't much time, and we know not many know. Would furs go over to her page, and leave a condolance message, or some kind thought?

She reminds Mommy of a long, graceful Bella like cat...and she has the most otherworldly gentle eyes.

Fly Far and Free Amy Rose. You came in from the cold. You mattered...and you are much loved.

It's been one of those weeks,
I reflect as I wait
I think fish is cooking, or maybe it's steak
I'm feeling hungry, and my stomach rules me
Meowing and 'rrrpting' thats where I be
As I think, yep I'm all for purrs..
I always say 'Trust Miracles Occur'.

Bella, farewell, in your honor we feast
A most brave little cat, or is it Beasel Weast?
A funny fey soul with a soft deep meow
Oh my pretty sister you are loved then and now

Bella, it's not often, I muse for my own
You, like Garbo, preferred being alone
But you weren't so much so for you welcomed me in
A scraggly cat coat did you see where you'd been?
Ah but we're cats-we're one of a kind
Feline blythe spirts and mysterious minds

I look up at your picture, regal cat Queen
Mommy's Familar and love , you were a team
Moving through life with a tiny curled lip
You loved your sunspot and toys with catnip
A Turkish Angora come in from the cold
You looked like a kitten but your soul was old

We rest and we play, we purr and we eat
We're Blythe Funny Spirits that land on our Feet
You had your times, a long full cat life
Full of adventures-you were all right
Now your spots empty on the loveseat
No more here will you wait for something good to eat

I'm sad for Mommy, I purr on Daddys lap
As he takes off his jacket and hangs up his cap
I remember gathering round you, that last cool old night
I met Alex at the window feeling delight,
But she spread her wings, hovered in the air
Whispered so sadly 'On a wing and a prayer..
I greet you my friend with immortality
When the time's right- you're coming with me
I will stay close, no matter what gives
I promise you Bella, theres more life to live
Across the stars, yet so very close
For your pawrents and family, for the heart always knows
That the barrier is made of the softest weave
They will see you again, they must only believe..'

I said 'But Alex, you know Mom needs her...
I've always assured that miracles occur
If Bella leaves, what will I say, I'll be a liar
You must find a way-to keep her here,
With renewed youth and health,
My Angel Alex, you know this yourself.'

And Alex sighed and softly set down
Said 'oh my poor Ruffy-haven't you found
That Miracles are made, every moment with faith
Dear Baboo Kitty, you've only to wait
But Bella is ready, by years here she's old
It's been a long timetime now in from the cold

I know it's hard-our humans will grieve
I know my mommy does though I know she believes
That we'll meet again, we'll be together
In a place thats so wonderful across Forever
Bella herself's a Miracle Fur
Rescued and loved, yes Miracles Occur
It won't be for long that she's gone you see
But for now little Bella deserves to fly free

And I saw my friend Gumpy grooming Bellas head
He saw me and said 'Ruffy, you know it's time for bed-
Bella will be fine, she's ready to fly
I wanted to come too Ruffy-and tell you why...

Bella completed a Mission-she was the first Rescue Cat
A miracle in Fur, yep, imagine that,
She loves your Mommy, your Daddy too,
She loves you all my friend and all that you do
A turkish Angora, who was lost and alone
She found the best people, a loving home
So many years filled with joy, love and tears
Oh, gosh Ruffy, there were so many years

And Bella leaned ovr with her soft gentle eyes
Said 'take care of our parents so the'll realize
That I made this choice, and I'll be fine
Give them love Ruffy-you can have all thats mine
My little bed, my favorite toys
All my treats-and share with the boys
Don't let Princess pick on you, hold out on your own
Be strong now Ruffy, for you aren't alone
I'll be close by, I'll purr and call
To you when you want me, there are no walls
I'll come to visit, with Gumpy and friends
This is just see you later, it's not the end...

And I fell alseep,
The next day we gathered,
All of the Clowder
For all the purrs mattered
And with a last little look
A last half cat smile
She got in her carrier
Still with her style
And she blinked slowly, and
Said 'Ruffy-it's fine
I'm not at all worried-it's just my time

and I sat up on my hinds
Smokie did too,
He said 'I salute you-as a Russian Blue
And then CK came up and he leaned against me
With large knowing eyes he said 'I'll be good-you'll see!'
And Princess crept up, flower face sad
'I will follow your magick, and I'll always be glad
For you're my inspiration, your the first of us all
Mommys kitty girl forever, your story we'll recall'

Now cats, you see, I didn't grieve
I purr strong for Mommy,
I always believe,
For Alex my angel, came to me last night
Said 'Bellas with us Ruff, and she's doing alright
I wanted you to understand, forever to know
We cats know the magick beyond the rainbow
Bella will rest and then she'll return
Eventually Ruffy, with all that she's learned
You sense this my friend, as you look in my eyes
We're born cats knowing, the wisdom of the wise
So, now Ruffy...I'll tell you this for you know
We all k now the way across Rainbow

Alex rose on hind paws, groomed a spot by my ear
I felt sad and happy, but there was no fear
I crossed the carpet, to beg at Daddys feet
and he said 'Hey Baboo, do you want to eat?'
Then Mommy picked up Princess, and kissed her brow
As the little minx squeaked a tiny meow
and Mommys laughed as I ran up to the Fridge
As I knew Bella purred....
From across Rainbow Bridge

My dear Sisfur.....I salute you as the First of the Magick!
I salute you with all Orangies, to honor and bow before...
a True Elderwise Soul..

We love you Bella. And we are a Part of you as Cat.
We are all a part of one another...

It's been a lovely few days,
Though bittersweet,
Words out on the town and out on the street
That Gumpy Sweet Boy left for Rainbow this week
Checking out of this plane in mystic cat speak

Now I feel sorta sad, but I know what I know
We cats are born knowing where we will go
When we leave our old bodies that don't work any more
We simply open a window instead of a door
And leap free of stress and sorrow and pain
We learn to be young and kittens again

And after we cross, we collide at the bar
A place called O'Casey's just south the North Star
A salute awaits you, you'll find warmth love and cheer
Not to mention they have the best Guiness and beer

The girl cats galore will flock over to you,
A handsome boycat, you won't know what to do
I can see them quay up, try to catch your attention,
Circles, Queen T...beauties too many to mention

And O'Caseys will be packed and you'll have a great time,
As they celebrate your life, you know you'll be fine
I know as I lay back and purr now tonight
A right bunch of cat kind will see you alright

Ah, but I know you're thinking, what about Mom,
Is she ok, can she go on
But you know the answer, it's there in your heart
You and your mom will never part
You'll fly different paths, above her you'll glide
Just above clouds, carried in by the tide
To rub at her leg, and purr in your place
She'll know youre there though she won't see your face
You'll send her blessings with what you both know
Oh Gumpy my friend, there's strength in Rainbow

And O'Caseys will sing, all one perfect rhyme
Singing you home, back to your time
To soft winter coats, and warm summer kisses
To adventures on leashes and heaped favorite food dishes
Dreamtime is realtime, walkabout for real
We're born in between worlds to a love that we feel
Finding our pawrents, entwining our souls
Lush whisker kisses, eyes dark as coal
Leaping into the air, streaking back home
To the person who loves you-you see, they aren't alone

And how will you come-as a kitten or cat?
Well, I'm not for the tellling of the mystery of that
We're creatures, fey mystics, we don't kiss and tell
I smile at it all for it's all for the well
As I watch the new profile, the new spangled fur
You see it's why I trust Miracles Occur

So back here my friends, this third rock from the sun
I salute you at O'Casey's and hope you're having fun
As I send out a low purr to Gumpy Sweet Boy McGee
Who's found his freedom and is flying far and free

Gumpy-I have yet to meet a a more Gentleman Cat who could dress so well, and so loved by the ladycats. I saltue you with divine intent, and send you on your way with the most heartfelt and wonderous wishes. Xeper and Remanifest my dear friend, my hero, one of the Greatest of the Greats.

We love you Gumpy. We love you.
Trust that Miracles Do Occur.
Love is Forever.

Dear Furs,
Mom belongs to a list for cats with FIV+.
This week, one of the 'members' who had lost a cat last year to the complications that can come with FIV adopted a kitten from a shelter.

In two days, the kitten became ill and she took the kitten to her vet. The kitten had some of the symtoms of URI, as well as a possible calici virus.

She had an account for the kitty here.

Mommy got the post yesterday that she returned the kitty to the shelter.

Mommy is upset-because the girl could not even tell her if it was a kill shelter or not. How could anyone do this? The girl had a form of insurance that covered the animal for some time, but when she called there was no one there, as it was a holiday weekend.

This has upset Mommy, because if a kitty is returned to a shelter that does euthanize, that's it. They don't get 'another chance'.

I spent the night in the bedroom last night, and Natalie was in a state...mommy emailed her vet because the medicaiton is obviously making her act worse...Natalie attacked daddy Sat night and Mommy this morning.

Mommy just scooped her up and said 'Oh Nat, I am so sorry. So sorry'. They had taken her to the vet yesterday to have her re-examined, but her glands are fine. Mommy wrote the vet and said Natalie needs to come off the medicaiton-this is not good. Now Natalie is sleeping quietly beside Daddy. It's the only time Natalie is happy....and Mommy doesn't want that...she wants Natalie to be ok, because she loves her. Natalie, my odd orangie sister may be odd, indeed, but what does it matter? She's part of our Tribe, an opinionated, intelligent, funny, and much loved member. She is my sister, and I sleep as close as she will allow so as to bestow healing and light.

I count myself a very lucky cat. I see around me wonderful furs, and their folks....someone asked in a forum 'are pet parwrents 'mommies'? My answer is they are Mommies and Daddies and Sissies and Brofurs and...they are our family. We are not 'lesser than'. If anything, we are 'more than' because we are loved and cherished. We look at our people as our Folks, part of our Tribe, our Guardians upon whom we bestow our magick and love and light.

And as I purr and lay here, after a good breakfast, my heart goes out to this kitty...who was returned. Not because she was naughty....for kittens are supposed to be that....but because she was ill. She wasn't given a chance. You don't give up on someone when things are not 'perfect'. You work with your vet to make the kitty well, and you communicate and let the shelter know that the kitty is ill as well....they may have suggestions.

Mommy doesn't understand...and I am sad. For to me, perhaps knowing how lucky and blessed I am...and as you, my furs are, to have families that have faith, and hope and love us enough to say 'this is my baby..my love...my life.....the good times, the times when we aren't well....we will be loved and cared for. It doesn't matter the circumstance, for we are here for good or bad, in sickness and health...until...well...we stand at the foot of the Bridge, glance back with a tender look, and say 'I love you, and love is forever. Thank you for never giving up....'

Mommys eyes are leaking for an ill and frightened kitten today....

love and light...with big rumbling purrs...

I send you healing and love little one....

and purr with all my heart you are given another chance to find someone who will never give up on you.

I am a comfortable, mango cat guy
A cat who will always know where best to lie
A soft warm couch back, or a pillow I'll find
A filled up food dish, and a daddy who's mine
And I wish the same, for all of the furrs
Out on the lam, and fresh out of purrs

I once roamed the streets, I once shivered with cold
No more a kitten, but not very old
I wound up outside, without a home
All of a sudden left all alone
I found a place to sleep, people fed me
But I was nobody's cat, and it sucks if thats 'free'.

I tried so hard, I was a good boy
I never scratched or bit, I didn't annoy
I would meow to folks, who'd pass me right by
I didn't under stand, I wondered why
As I watched folks sit by their tv
I wondered why sometimes they didn't want me.

And then I found people, who loved all cats
They were special folks, imagine that
I found my way to their place, and into their hearts
I wasn't perfect, but I know I was smart
I came to trust, they forgave me my ways
When the few times I scratched like when I was a stray

And I know they are special, they are, yes, kind
More folks like them are what we need to find
To rescue a fur from a euth list cage
For does it so matter, what breed or what age
We are all cats, divine with magick souls
Miracles in fur, fairytales to be told

So as I look over mom's shoulder tonight
Tears on her cheeks, it doesn't seem right
As the 'list' shows those cats that won't see tomorrow night
I'm grateful for her, for dad for the light
That springs up in the sky, a blue moon thats rare
As miracles unfold, and folks learn how to care

And each one, teach one, find a cat to save
for we deserve to be swept out, we face all so brave
Each one teach one, tell your neighbor and friend
They can stop the darkness, they can stop 'the end'
For as Cats we are Familars, we bring luck and cheer
A myrid of colors of furs, tails and ears
Each one teach one, reach for your feline
Save a life, free a soul, and know the divine
for surely as you reach out and touch that little paw
What's Divine touches back, you'll know what it's all for

And I lick mommys hand and she pats my head
As she scoops me up and says 'Boog, it's time for bed'.
And turns off the puter, and closes her eyes,
As I leap to the sill-the moon lights up the sky
I purr and I reach out to the cat face
For, yes, my Blue Moon, I know your style and your grace
As I purr for the cats out there tonight,
I stand up on my hinds, in the last of the light
and whisper to Alex, and Tigger, Harry and all
Look after them all furrs, use your magick to call
Those folks who are empty and need the magick of furr
Let them find their way, weave the spell with your purrs

Each one teach one, tie the cord with silk
Lighter than sunbeams and purer than milk
Each one teach one, pad cross their dreams
Into their hearts so they know what 'Cat' means
Each one teach one, angels all tonight
Find our furrs homes and all the good things

and with a small purr as my eyes close
I touch my heart to you cross the distance
and feel your warm nose
I understand, and I know, I do
The fate of forever that awaits you
Yet theres that moon, magick surrounds you
I whisper it all to the orb of blue

Each one teach one,
I purr with intent
I love you all, and the magicik is sent
Across the world, purring with faith
All love and light and miracles made
As I whisper to Alex and see her leap far
Just past the moon....to follow that star....

Dedicated to all the Cats who face Eternity with rumbling purrs and
for who I must believe....miracles do occur...